Inspired by the Manta Ray

(Above) Inspired by the Manta Ray, 24k-Architecture went to work developing an extraordinary structure for children in Thailand.

(Above and below) Scale models.

(Above) One of many preliminary drawings.

(Above) Actual photograph of the Children’s Activity and Learning Center.

(Above) A dramatic view looking up at the center.

(Above) Interior view.

(Above) Would this space inspire a child? For sure. Let’s hope that these kids are old enough not to fall down stairs.

(Above) A sleeping room.

(Above) The main building materials of this structure, locally harvested bamboo.

(Above) A view from above the “manta-ray.”

HOW INSPIRING IT IS TO SEE ARCHITECTURE BUILT FROM LOCAL, SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS (like bamboo) AND IT’S DESIGN INSPIRED FROM NATURE! This children’s learning and activity center is located on the island of Koh Kood, in the Gulf of Thailand. Nearby the 6-Star resort Soneva Kiri is this incredible structure, made largely of locally harvested bamboo.

The Children’s Activity and Learning Center is designed to provide visiting children a wide range of entertaining activities as well as raise their level of ecological awareness. This “den-like” structure provides an Auditorium/Cinema for films, lectures and plays; a library with books on perma-culture and local traditions; an Art room, a Music room and Fashion room, thus giving children both creative and ecological education while playing.

The Den is located at a rocky slope close to the sea. With its Manta-ray inspired bamboo dome, perched in an elevated position so as to offer magnificent views, it seems to launch itself into the bay. The structure and roof are made from local Thai bamboo, thus contributing further to the ecological approach of the resort. The interior is made from local plantation River Red Gum wood and rattan structural elements for the inner domes.

The site provides a sleeping pod for toddlers, and a toilet building as well as a cooking “cave” with a vegetable garden for the children to prepare their own lunch (with a special cook).